Preselector apparatus



Nov. 26, 1946. H, ELLIOT 2,411380 PRESELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Feb. 20, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 26, 194-6. 'H F, ELLIOTT 2,411,780

PRESELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Feb. 20, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 H. F. ELLIOTT PRESELECTOR APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 ,Z @W ay Nav. 26, 1946.

Filed Feb 20, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR #42040 F. {LA/077' ATTORNEY H. F. ELLIOTT 2,411,780

SELECTOR s Nov. 26, 1946. LL O T 2,411,780

PRESELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Feb. 20, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 NOV. 26, 1946. F, ELLIOTT 2,411,780

PRESELECTOR APPARATUS Filed Feb. 20, 1943 ('3 Sheets-Shet 6 Patented Nov. 26, 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT QE ZFICE PRESELECTOR APPARATUS Harold F. Elliott, Belmont, Mass. Application February 20, 1943, Serial No. 476,563

10 Claims. 1

This invention relates in general to control apparatus operating to set up a predetermined program for performing predetermined operations at desired time intervals over a period of twentyfour hours, or a greater or lesser period, as desired. More particularly, this invention relates to a program preselector operating to effect desired operations at fifteen minute intervals over a twenty-four hour period of time. This application is a continuation in part of application Serial No. 391,873, filed May 5, 1941.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved program or function preselector adapted to set into operation a plurality of functions at predetermined intervals over a period of time.

A further object of my invention is to provide a program or function preselector having a simplified and improved mechanism for initiating and routing an electric circuit or circuits through the preselector.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a preselector device for setting up electrical circuits at predetermined times, which device is adapted to operate with complete safety and satisfaction over a range of voltages as low as 6 volts or lower, and as high as 110 volts or higher. These specific voltages mentioned, however, represent merely the low and the high of a voltage range for many standard electrical control units which might be operated by the device, and are not to be considered as limiting.

Another object of my invention is to provide a preselector device adapted to quickly and simply set up a comprehensive program of operations over as much as twenty-four hour period, and yet be compact in size, and simple in structure for low-cost, highuality production.

One of the features of my invention is the provision of energizable circuit routing mechanism for a preselector device adapted to operate over a wide range of voltages.

Another feature of my invention is the provision of a preselector device having a plurality of die-cast metal, or molded insulating parts, or both, which normally reduce the number of parts in the device and simplify the assembly and operation thereof while providing a sturdy and eificient mechanism. A further feature of the present invention is the provision of simplified and effective brush, contact, and program timing means in a preselector device for completing electrical circuits to operate and control apparatus electrically connected to such device.

A still further feature of the invention is the provision of circuit routing means which include yieldable switch means and a plurality of settable program preselectors which mechanically operate the switch means to provide an electric circuit control pattern having a plurality of functions at a plurality of different intervals of time.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken with the drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the preselector device;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional View substantially along the line 22 of Fig. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows indicated on such line;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, and partly in full of the finger or index dial and connecting means therefor, together with retarding mechanism to retard the return movement of such dial. This figure is taken along the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is cross-sectional View along the line -i4 of Fig. 2 showing various parts of the manually operated automatic setting means in section, in full, and in a fragmentary illustration;

Fig. 5 is a detailed elevational view of the cast metal conductor rings when joined together before being incorporated into the molded insulating plate for the rings;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the rotary switch assembly and its cooperating distributor plate embodied in the device of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the stationary insulating plate having the conducting rings molded therein, and showing the rings joined together by an integral piece of metal which is machined out before use of the complete unit;

Fig. 8 is an elevational view of the rotary contact unit of Fig. 2 with a portion of the unit broken away;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view along the line l4!4 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 1G is a fragmentary perspective view of the rotary unit showing particularly the construction of the switch means thereon;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic illustration of the circuit of the preselector device of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a rear elevational view of the device of Figs. 1 and 2 with a portion thereof broken away;

Fig. 13 is a detailed view of the control switch of Fig. 12 showing the contacts in closed position;

Fig. 14 is an illustration of the same switch and associated cam withthe switch in open position;

Fig. 15 is an elevational view with a portion broken away to show a modification of the switch means itself of the rotary unit of Fig. 8;

Fig, 15 is an enlarged sectional view of one of the switch elements in the rotary unit of Fig. 15.

In practicing my invention I provide mechanically operated electrical circuit routing mechanism in a complete time controlled preselector device adapted for electrical connection to controllable apparatus. The device includes a plurality of members which are automatically movable by manually operated means to predetermined radial positions in a frame. After the movable members are set up in a predetermined pattern corresponding to desired operations in the controllable apparatus and corresponding to a predetermined time pattern, control circuits are routed through the preselector device at predetermined times by means including movable members and stationary and movable circuit completing mechanism. The circuit routing mechanism includes a stationary part and a rotary part, with one of said parts comprising a molded insulating member having a plurality of conductor rings and integral terminal or contact portions fixedly molded therein, while the other part includes yieldable contact means. The radially movable members adapted to be set up in a predetermined program operate in the device of my invention in a purely mechanical capacity.

The manually operated means for automatically setting the sliders or keys of the present preselector device to predetermined radial positions forms no part of the present invention. This is taken directly from my copending application Serial No. 391,873, filed May 5, 1941. However for a complete understanding of the present invention it is being illustrated and will be described to show a complete device.

As can be understood from Fig. 2, particularly, substantially the entire mechanism illustrated therein comprises simple stamped or possibly cast, and molded parts. These parts include a principal metal frame member to preferably cast in a form to provide a central hub i l upon which, and about which, associated elements are mounted. The frame member it also includes an annular portion l2 which includes a rim is visible at the face of the device as shown in Fig. 1, and a portion within the rim including a plurality of radially extending grooves 54, each groove corresponding to a fifteen minute interval of time in the twenty-four (24) hour period as will be hereinafter more specifically described. A metal slider 538 is provided for each groove I4 and is slidably carried in a corresponding recess defined by front and back edges 39 and Ml respectively in the frame member it. Each slider I38 comprises an ear M2 at one end thereof which is engaged by the pusher 33 on the automatic slider setting mechanism. The body portion is split longitudinally to provide a pair of legs Hi3 and ids which may be compressed sufficiently to permit the introduction of the slider in a corresponding frame member recess, and thereafter will exert a pressure against the edges lie and Ml sufiicient to maintain the slider in a set or predetermined position. A cam or projecting portion Hit extends at right angles from the leg Hit and rides in the groove H1 in the frame plate. As will be explained in greater detail, the cam or projecting portion Hit has merely a mechanical function so far as circuit routing is concerned and serves to operate a corresponding yieldable switch in extending an electrical circuit through the preselector device. The metal sliders I 38 are not electrically connected into the control circuit. The slider acts merely as a mechanical key or cam to mechanically operate a corresponding yieldable switch means to route a circuit through the preselector device. As a result there is no exposed portion at the front of the device which is electrically energized and consequently this embodiment is readily adapted to volt operation.

The hub or central portion ll of the member It is cup-shaped and is apertured at 19 to re ceive the rotatable mechanism for the hands of a clock, and acts to support the frame 2! for the clock dial 22 thereon. A twelve-hour face is provided for the dial 22, and a minute hand 23, an hour hand 2 a twenty-four hour hand 25, and a second hand 25 move over the dial face. The preselector device, as illustrated herein, is adapted for twenty-four hour operation, and the two twelve hour periods indicated on the face edge of an index dial 32 can be read in conjunction with the movable hand 25. Different colors can be employed in these figures to indicate whether the particular hour is in the day-time period or night period. The timing, circuit routing, and switch mechanism which will be described is adapted for twenty-four hour operation, and as is evident from Fig. 1 there are 96 sliders I38 corresponding to the 96 fifteen-minute intervals over a twenty-four hour period. It is understood, of course, that the preselector device of the present invention may be adapted for operation over other periods of time.

The present mechanism provides all of the advantages of a visual program setup, and in addition provides simple apparatus for automatically and selectively moving each of the sliders to the precise point of electrical interconnection with a conductor to route a circuit. Mechanism for accomplishing this includes a stationary stamped gear 21 secured intermediate the dial frame 2| and the hub portion M (Fig. 2). An integral lug 23 (Fig. 3) on the gear 2'! acts as a stop for the moving connecting mechanism including a bell crank lever 21; which serves with associated elements to connect the finger or index dial 32, and a slider setting member 33 which may be designated as a mover or a pusher (Fig. 4).

The dial 32 is provided as a molded plastic or the like member, and includes a plurality of finger holds F corresponding in number to the functions desired to be controlled by the apparatus. For purposes of illustration the present device is described as connected into a radio receiver system, and consequently seven of the finger holds F carry broadcasting station indicia, and the eighth hole F is used to index the off position of the radio receiver system when a finger is inserted in this hold and the dial moved to a stop position, as will be explained. The stop for the finger dial comprises a fixed apron, or the like 3 3, secured to the dial frame 2!. The finger dial 32 is secured to a metal plate 35 (Fig. 3) rotatably mounted within, and movable relative to, the cup-shaped metal member 31 which is journalled on the projecting portion H of the frame member ID.

The cup-shaped member 31 serves as a mounting member for a movable rotary unit which includes a toothed cam member 38 rotatably secured to an inner annular flange 39 of the member 31, and such toothed member 38 includes a cam groove with an eccentric surface 42 thereon. The groove and surface 42 guides a follower 43 (Fig. 4.) which is mounted on the body portion 44 of the pusher 33. The body portion 45 of the pusher 33 in turn is mounted for slidable radial movement in a channelled guide member 43 rigidly secured to the base or bottom 41 of the cup-shaped member 31 (Fig. 2).

In preparing to set up a program or at least move a slider i 6 radially to a desired predetermined position, the plunger or pusher 33 is first moved angularly into alignment with the desired slider. This is accomplished by grasping with the fingers the outside rim R of the member 31, and simply moving or rotating the member 3! and its associated elements just described to a position such that the pointer 43 (Fig. 1) on the rim of such member is opposite the desired slider. As is understood from the above explanation, the toothed member 38, and the plunger 33 and mounting 43 therefor, will move with the member 3'! as a unit.

In order to set in operation a particular function, which might be operating a furnace, turning a valve, or as in the present instance, closing an electric control circuit for tuning the radio receiver to a station corresponding to the desired station indicated in a finger hole F, circuit routing mechanism is provided for functions corresponding in number to finger holes F. Included in the circuit routing mechanism are the metal sliders I38.

The sliders I38 in grooves Id at the left and right of Fig. 2 are both shown in off or rest position and out of position to make an electrical connection but it is obvious that they may be moved outwardly by the pusher 33 to a desired predetermined position.

The slider and slider supporting and guiding mechanism, as well as the plunger or pusher mechanism have been fully described, and the method of positioning, that is rotating the pusher assembly to align the pusher with reference to a slider has likewise been described. The operation of the plunger or pusher 33 in a radial direction to in turn move a slider I38 outwardly from a starting position to a set position will now be described. As previously mentioned, a bell-crank lever 29 is pivotally mounted by means of a pivot 54 (Fig. 3) secured to the plate 36 mounting the finger dial 32. In a position of rest for the finger dial 32, one end 36 of the bell-crank lever is in engagement with the lug 28 on the stationary gear 21, while the other end having a pawl or integral lug 3i thereon is in position within the aperture 38 in the plate 36 for engagement with a tooth in the cam plate 38. In operating the setting mechanism the operator places his finger in a hole F and the dial 32 is rotated clockwise until the finger engages the stop 34. Upon the first movement of the dial 32, as the pivot 64 for the lever 29 moves with it, the spring 33 acting on the bell crank lever pivots it into a position so that the pawl 67 engages a tooth 12 in the toothed member 33. Thereafter, as the dial is rotated clockwise, the lever 29 moves the toothed member 38 therewith, and the cam groove with the eccentric surface 42 causes the follower 63 therein to roll and move radially with the arcuate or angular movement of the groove, and consequently move the pusher body 44 and tip T iii) 6 therewith in a straight-line radial direction. Flanges within the guide member 46 maintain the pusher in a straight-line direction as can be understood from Fig. 4.

In the meantime, the cup 3. to the base 41 of which the guide member 46 is secured is maintained stationary relative to the movable dial 32 by means of holding or index mechanism illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4. This includes a bellcrank lever M pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on the bottom 41 of the member 31, having a roller 76 at one end, and a tension spring I! at the other end. The roller I6 and spring 71 are both positioned in corresponding apertures within the base 47, as shown in Fig. 2. The roller 16 rides in notches 78 formed in the inside of the rim is of the stationary plate portion I2 of the frame 13 as previously described. The spring Tl maintains sufficient tension on the lever l so that the unit including the cup 37 is maintained stationary at an adjusted position, but yet will permit ready manual movement of the unit to originally set the pusher or mover 33, as described.

As the tip T of the moving pusher engages the ear 53 of the selected slider ltd the latter is moved radially outwardly a distance corresponding to the radial movement of the follower 43 on the eccentric surface in the cam groove. For instance, if the dial 32 was operated from the finger hole F with the indicia KRE, the member 38 would be rotated a distance substantially equal to the arcuate length of the cam groove causing the tip T to move outwardly to its maximum position and place the slider on the outside circuit routing position as can be understood from Fig. 2.

The dial 32 and associated mechanism is r turned from an operated position to a position of rest, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, by means of coiled return springs. A coiled spring 33 is supported on the plate 35 for the finger dial within lugs 82 stamped out at intervals in a circular path around the central portion of such plate. One end of the spring 33 is connected to one of the lugs 82, while the other end is connected to a lug on the stationary hub portion H. A coiled spring 34 (Fig. 4) rests in an an nular cavity (Fig. 2*) at the inside portion ii of the dial cup 3'!, is secured at one end to a cut-out portion 83 in the rim of the annular cavity, and is secured at the other end to a lug 8'! turned inwardly from the cam plate 33. These springs are tensioned when the dial 32 is rotated clockwise, and act to return both the dial and the cam plate to a position of rest. At this position the end 33 of the lever 29 engages the lug 23, as heretofore explained, and the lug 33 on the dial plate 33 enga s t e Othr side of such lever end 63 to stop the dial. The cam groove in the plate 38 is so proportioned in length that the follower 43 will be in engagement with the end of it, as shown in Fig. 4, when the lug 83 engages the bell-crank lever at 66, so that the pawl 6! is thrown out of engagement with a tooth 72 in the plate 33 when the lever hits the lug 28.

Retarding mechanism is shown in 3 for slowing the movement of the dial 32 and cam plate 33 on the return movements under the forces of the springs 33 and 8 3. This mecha nism includes a gear train including gears 33 and 32, with the latter engaging a corresponding pinion gear 93 rotatably supported on the dial plate 36. A pair of friction pawls or shoes 94 and 94 are each pivotally mounted at one end on supporting means movable with the pinion gear 93. As the pinion gear 93 is rotated the pawls are thrown outwardly by centrifugal force and frictionally engage a stationary cap 36 secured to the plate 38. By this frictional engagement the movement of the gear train and hence the dial and associated dial plate 36 are retarded. By virtue of the pawl Bl of bell-crank lever 29 connecting the dial plate 36 and cam plate 38 these move together. Hence the retarding mechanism in effect acts on the entire counter-clockwise moving structure.

As can be understood from the preceding description the present device provides a means for setting up a program over a 24-hour period which will initiate a particular predetermined function in each 15 minute interval of time over the entire 24-hour period. For purposes of illustration only the device is connected with control apparatus which in turn tunes a radio receiver to at least '7 different stations as can be seen from the '7 station indications in the index dial 32 of Fig. 1. The eighth operation to be initiated is turning off the receiver circuit which is effected when a slider lfifi is in the radial position corresponding to the position of the finger hole F in the slider setting mechanism. Obviously it is not necessary to set up a different program for each 15 minute interval, and assuming that the radio receiver has been tuned to a particu ar station in some interval of time in the Z l-hour period, that station setting will remain the same until the routing mechanism engages a slider I38 set radially in a groove i l at a position corresponding to some other station setting.

The stationary portion of the electric circuitrouting mechanism includes a molded insulating frame plate or unit lei.

As to the unit lill, this comprises the molded insulating plate liid and a plurality of conductor rings B89 molded therein. The conductor rings each comprise an annular ring portion with a conductor surface iii, substantially flush with the face of the insulating plate, the material of which separates the plurality of rings from one another as shown in Fig. 2. Each ring likewise comprises a single projection or contact portion l2 which extends at right angles from the body portion proper of the ring We, and extends through the insulating material to the opposite face of plate m l being exposed in a small terminal portion M9 to which a conductor is secured, as shown in Fig. 12. The position of the respective terminal portions M9 on the integral projections H2 can be understood from Fig. 12. Therefore, the unit it! provides a molded insulating plate or frame with a plurality of conducting members its embedded or molded therein, with a continuous annular conducting surface ll! at one face (the front) of the plate, and a single restricted projecting contact portion exposed at the opposite face (back) thereof.

The insulating plate and conducting member unit is preferably manufactured by first providing a plurality of concentric die-cast annular rings I69 with a single projection H2 extending transversely at one point on each ring. The rings are secured in spaced relation by a plurality of straps M cast integrally with rings IE9 as shown in Figs. 5 and '7. The inside face of each strap has depressions corresponding to the spaces P between adjacent rings, and these defunction in the corresponding switches.

pressions appear above the dotted line in Fig. I. The die-cast metal unit is then embedded in moldable insulating material and the entire plate Hi l is molded with the ring assembly maintained therein. After the molding operation is complete the straps M are machined off down to the dotted line of Fig. 7, thus providing the individual rings insulatingly separated from one another and having a continuous smooth conducting surface Hi over the entire annular faces thereof. Inasmuch as the projections H2 extend through the insulation over a very small cross-sectional area it is apparent that a large mass of molded insulating material is provided for supporting the conducting means to in turn provide a rigid and well insulated unit.

The molded plate unit it! likewise serves as the back frame member for the preselector device, and is provided with a rim or flange |5l through which bolts I52 extend to secure the unit I41 and a cover plate 53, all as an assembly, upon the frame member lil. Likewise the top shaft and gear driving mechanism are all supported in apertures I54 at various places over the entire area of the unit. The back cover plate I53 in combination with the molded plate unit provides a cavity at the back of the device for housing gear trains and related elements, as well as a cam control switch, while the clock motor C is mounted on the back of the cover plate.

Control circuits within the preselector device are extended through the conductor ring formation by means of yieldable switches on a rotary unit his (Figs. 2 and 8). The unit is supported upon a hub portion itll which in turn is secured to the shaft N32 for the twenty-four hour hand 25 of the clock. The shaft and rotary unit I55 are rotated by a driven gear H33 which in turn is driven by a pinion gear Hi5 connected with the clock motor C as previously described. Consequently, the switch portion of the unit H56 rotates through one complete cycle each 24-hours and control circuits are completed at 15-minute intervals depending upon whether sliders I33 are set up at each such interval. The switch means generally on the rotary unit I56 is illustrated in detail in Figs. 8, 9, and 10, and likewise shown in Figs. 6 and 2 in operating positions relative to the sliders and conductor rings. The yieldable switches are all in a rest position in Fig. 2, and the sliders are in a non-operating position. In Fig. 6 the slider its is in a preset position, and one of the switches is in an operating position.

The switch means comprises a stacked assembly having a plurality of stamped-out plates arranged as shown particularly in Fig. 9. Each one-piece plate is! has a flat rim at each side for securing it into the stack and a central slotted and formed portion which includes a plurality of independently movable straps I62. Each strap has a stiff, rounded central finger or contact portion i651 which in itself is non-yieldable, but the strap I62 as a whole is yieldable in a direction at right angles to the plane of the unit H56 because of the corrugated portion lad to each side thereof and intermediate the outer secured rims and the finger portion I63. The three metal plates I6! including the straps and illustrated in cross-section in Fig. 9, are identified as T, I. and L respectively, from top to bottom.

Although they are substantially identical in construction they have different functions as will be described.

The plate T straps have purely a mechanical This plate T is insulated from the plates I and L by means of a yieldable insulating plate I66 slotted in a manner corresponding to plates I6I. It is likewise insulated from the remainder of the structure in the rotary unit I56 by means of insulating bushings I62. Actually, the bushings I67 and the insulating plate I66 are adapted to completely insulate the energizable conductor portions as represented by the plates I and L in the complete switch asembly. The entire stack is secured together and mounted on the unit I56 by means of rivets or the like I 68 in the insulating bushings I6'I. Apertured guide members I69 and HI at the top and bottom respectively of the stack have apertures I12 which permit the protrusion of the fingers I63 on the individual straps, while the adjacent body portions of these guide members confine and generally guide the movement of the corresponding straps as they are depressed when engaged by the cam or projecting portion I46 of a slider. The height of the finger portions I63 on each strap, and the length of the cam or projection I46 of the slider are such that coupled with the rotary path of movement of the unit I56, a finger portion I63 of the plate T is depressed by the cam I46 when it passes thereunder.

In order to extend a circuit through the switch means of the unit I56, plates I and L are provided slightly longer than the plate T to in turn provide an extra strap, and consequently an extra finger portion I63 as shown in Fig. 6. This extra strap assembly is positioned under the body portion of the insulating plate I66 which in turn abuts a block or the like I13 beneath the body portion of the guide plate I69. By means of a corresponding block or the like I13 below the insulating plate, the corresponding finger portions I63 are continuously depressed, and the portion I63 at the right as viewed in Figs. 2 and 6 rides continuously upon the corresponding conductor sur face II I. The corresponding conductor ring includes the projection with a terminal portion I :16 (Fig. 12) extending through the plate I48 to the rear thereof. As will be explained the conductor ring corresponding to the terminal I49 is energized momentarily or for any desired period at each 15-minute interval as a result of closing the switch I14.

However, as to each individually depressi-ble switch in the complete switch means in the unit I56, as a finger I 63 on an individual strap of the plate T engages the cam I46 of a slider I 38, the portions I64 yield and the base of the finger I63 depresses corresponding portion of a strap I I6 (Fig. 6) of the insulating plate I 66. This in turn depresses the oppositely disposed finger portions I63 of the corresponding straps in the plates I and L, and the finger portion I63 of the plate L engages a corresponding conductor surface I I I of a conductor ring I09. As is evident from Fig. 9, particularly, the contour and dimensions of the outermost part of the finger I63 which engages the cam I46 on each individual slider, are

such that it is mechanically depressed for a short 6 the finger I63. Therefore, when a complete switch unit is depressed as shown in Fig. 6 the circuit is extended through the plates L and I and the corresponding depressed engaging finger I63 to the conducting surface III of the corresponding conductor ring I66. This in turn extends the circuit through the corresponding terminal I49 to a conductor in the electric cable going to a motor or the like to effect the desired corresponding function.

Referring now to the switch FM, this is illustrated in Figs. 12, 13, and 14, and diagrammatically in the circuit diagram of Fig. 11. This includes a pair of yieldable arms I78 and I79 with corresponding contact points I8I on the inside face thereof. The arm I79 is continuously energized by virtue of its connection with the conductor I82 in the energized portion of the complete electrical system. The contact points I8I are normally separated. However, durin one portion of every 15-minute interval both arms are flexed to the position shown in Fig. 14 by means of a rotary cam plate I 83 of insulating material. This cam plate is fixedly mounted on the shaft I34 connected to the clock motor C by gears which cause it to rotate 360 in each 15 minute period. The cam plate I83 is substantially rectangular in shape, and the leading edge while rotatin in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 12 raises the arms so that they ride on the outside surface thereof. A straight trailing edge I86 causes the shorter switch arm I 78 to drop from the plate I83 first, and then until the secand arm I'Il has dropped from the plate, the contacts IS! are in engagement. Then the arm I19 drops from the trailing edge, the contact points separate and the control circuit is broken.

Although the operation of this embodiment will undoubtedly be apparent from the preceding description, an entire cycle of operations will be described for a more complete understanding of the invention. Referring to the circuit diagram of Fig. 11, the operation of the preselector device will be again described with reference to the control or tuning of a radio receiver. It is assumed, first of all, that the master switch I3! in the complete electrical system is closed, and that the clock C is operating, thereby also rotating the unit I56 therewith. Furthermore, one or more of the preselector sliders have been set by the means heretofore described to a predetermined radial position corresponding to the station settin for the radio receiver. This station setting or function corresponds to a particular conducting ring I66 and its associated circuits.

With the switch I I4 closed through the contact points IIiI, a circuit is completed from the switch arm I78 through terminal I49 and corresponding conductor surface III, through the rotary unit switch including the finger portions I63, the switch plates I and L, and through a depressed switch unit including a finger portion I63 as shown in Fig. 10, back through the corresponding conductor iii and the integral terminal portion I49. From that point the circuit is extended through a corresponding conductor I89, through the tuning motor I9I and back to the other side of the line including the switch arm H9. The motor IQI moves the tuning mechanism for the radio set I92 while the control circuit is energized and the receiver is tuned to the desired predetermined station during the time that the switch I14 is closed by movement of the cam plate I33, and the switch at the conductor ring surface III is closed during the the switches thereon. lhe switch portion of the unit, however, differs as can be understood particularly from Fig. 16. The unit I56 includes an insulating plate recessed at the outer end to provide a pair of leg portions ifi and 196. The guide plate till is secured to one side of the insulating plate (Fig. 15) and is apertured with a plurality of apertures E98 longitudinally thereof. The switch means itself comprises a plate i 99 having a plurality of yieldable fingers 2E3! extending away from a mounting rim at one side thereof. The metal plate 5% is secured to the underside of the leg tee of the insulating arm and the individual fingers Edi extend in a direction so as to ride upon a corresponding conducting surface 1 i i of aring E89.

Individual fingers are normally out of contact with the conducting surfaces and rest in a position shown by dotted lines in Fig. 16. An insulating bushing with a pin secured in each bush- .ing is provided on each finger. Each pin has a shank extending away from the bushing to a head 2&3 on the outside of the guide plate I92. The shank of such pin extends through the aperture l98 and is slidable therein to maintain the corresponding finger Edi in alignment.

A continuously depressed finger (not shown) corresponding to the switch including the finger portion I63 of Fig. 6, rides on a corresponding annular conducting surface to energize the entire plate 195 including the plurality of fingers 20L Therefore, the circuit is completed through the plate 599 when a finger 253i is depressed by the cam action of the cam portion M6 on a slider i38 as previously described. The cam portion 1% engages the head E53 and depresses such head and the corresponding bushing 292, to in turn depress the finger 28: into engagement with the conductor surface 5 i i.

The general circuit operation of the switch on the rotary unit H56 is the same as that described with reference to the unit 558.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in its preferred embodiments, it is understood that'it is not limited thereby, and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In apparatus for setting up a predetermined program as to time and function and controlling electrical circuits therewith having a plurality of settable means thereon, the means for routing a circuit through said apparatus in accordance with the positions of the settable means including a rotary unit having a plurality of yieldable switch means thereon with each switch means being operable and yieldable independently of the others, and each switch means including a depressible portion adapted for engagement with a corresponding settable means and a contact portion movable by said depressible means, and said routing means also including a plurality of conducting members to be selectively engaged by corresponding switch means contact portions upon a depressing operation thereof.

2. In preselector apparatus having no exposed electrically energized portions at the front thereof and having a program plate with a plurality of radially extending guides, the means for routing a circuit through said apparatus including a movable unit engaging each guide and having a projecting portion extending therefrom, a fixed annular conducting ring, and rotary switch means having a yieldable contact portion, with said switch means and a correspondingly movable unit being engageable, and with one f said two specified portions being in electrical engagement with said conducting ring simultaneously with said engagement of said switch means and movable unit.

3. In preselector apparatus having no exposed electrically energized portions at the front thereof and having a program plate with a plurality of radially extending guides, the means for routing a circuit through said apparatus including a movable unit engaging each guide and having a projecting portion extending therefrom, a fixed annular conducting ring, and rotary contact means rotating in a path intermediate the projecting portion and the conducting ring and with the projecting portion extending into said path, said rotary contact means including an electrically energized contact portion and a depressible portion insulated therefrom but operatively connected therewith at least in a depressed position, with said depressible portion being depressed upon engaging said projecting portion, and said contact portion being moved by said depressible portion into contact with said conducting ring.

a. A program preselector for routing electrical circuits including in combination a die-cast metal frame with a plurality of guides extending radially from a common center, a metal member movable along each guide to predetermined p tions, and circuit means-including a plurality of concentric stationary conductor rings spaced apart in the radial direction of said guides, a rotary unit having a portion rotatable through 360 for each program cycle for said preselector, and yieldable switchmeans on said unit at said portion including a plurality of movable means corresponding to said rings, with each movable means having one part for engagement with a conductor ring and another part engageable by a metal member in a predetermined set positionto move the movable means upon such engagement and move said one part into mechanical and electrical engagement with a corresponding conductor ring.

5. A program preselector for routing electrical circuits including in combination a metal frame plate having a plurality of radially extending guides, a metal member movable along each guide to a predetermined position, a rotary unit having switch means thereon including three stacked metal plates-with each of said plates having a movable portion intermediate the sides thereof and said movable portion comprising a stifi" central projection and yieldable portions on each side thereof, and said switch means including movable insulating means, with two of said metal plates being adjacent and positioned in the stack with the central projections thereof extending in opposite directions, and with said insulating means separating said two plates from said third plate, said third plate and said stack being mounted on said unit in a position such that said central projection on said third plate upon rotation of said unit engages a correspondingly set metal member to be depressed thereby to in turn depress said insulating means and said two adjacent plates, and a conductor ring engageable by one of said two adjacent plates upon said d pressing operation.

6. A program preselector for routing electrical circuits including in combination a rotary plate with switch means thereon having guide means on one side of said plate, a yieldable contact finger on the other side of said plate, an insulating member intermediate said guide means and said contact member and mounted on the latter, and a guide pin fixedly mounted in said insulating member and having a head on one end, and having a shank below said head slidable in said guide means, a stationary annular conducting ring, a metal frame plate having a plurality of radially extending guides, and a metal member slidable along each guideway and having a projecting portion extending into the path of said guide pin head in said switch means adapted to engage said pin head and being of such a length as to depress said pin head to simultaneously urge said contact member into electrical engagement with said conducting ring.

7. In a preselector device having a program setting portion with a rotary circuit routing means and a driving motor therefor, the means for extending a circuit through said circuit-routing means and for housing the same including a stationary molded insulating unit having a plate portion with a plurality of spaced apart concen tric conductor rings embedded therein, a terminal portion on each ring and integral therewith extending from said plate portion at one side thereof, said insulating unit having an integral annular rim thereon positioned to form a cupshaped cavity with said one side of said insulating plate portion, conductor means in said cavity connected with said terminal portions, movable switch means in said cavity and in electrical con nection with at least one conductor and one terminal portion, and a cover plate secured to said annular rim and closing said cavity at the open side thereof.

8. In a preselector device having a program setting member and rotary circuit routing means, the combination unit for engagement by said setting member and said routing means comprising an elongated substantially flat body portion split longitudinally over one portion thereof to provide a pair of longitudinally extending legs joined at one end, a projecting portion extending outwardly at right angles from one of said legs integral with said leg and in the plane of the body portion of said unit, said projecting portion being adapted to be engaged by the routing means, and an ear at said joined end in said body portion extending in a direction opposite to said projecting portion, said ear being adapted to be engaged by the setting member.

9. A program preselector apparatus comprising, an annular program member having a plurality of elongated peripheral guides, a settable element movable along each guide and having a portion projecting therefrom, and means for routing a circuit through the apparatus including a fixed annular conductive member and a rotary switch member having a yieldable actuating portion engageable with said projecting portions of said settable elements when set to corresponding predetermined positions and a contact portion operable by said actuating portion into engagement with said conductive member, said contact portion being insulated from said settable elements and their supporting program member.

10. A program preselector apparatus comprising, an annular program member having a plurality of elongated peripheral guides, a settable element movable along each guide and having a portion projecting therefrom, and means for routing a circuit through the apparatus including a plural ity of coaxial fixed annular conductive members and a rotary switch member having a plurality of spaced yieldable actuating portions each engageable with said projecting portions of said settable elements when set to corresponding predetermined difi'erent positions and a plurality of contact portions individually operable by said actuating portions into engagement with one of said conductive members, said contact portions being insulated from said settable elements and their supporting program member.

HAROLD F. ELLIOTT. 

